Lina Braanaas Utne (35) takes over as the new CEO of Firda Seafood as of February 1, 2023, taking the reins of the family-owned business as her father steps down. Utne comes to the position from her role as project and quality manager and has a long history with the company, having worked in various parts of its value chain.
Lina expressed her excitement for her new role: "I look forward to leading the company forward. During my 10 years at Firda, the company has made significant strides, resulting in increased productivity and improved biological and financial results. We have created solid, exciting, and safe jobs that contribute to the vitality of small coastal communities, and we will continue to do so."
Utne is a trained aquaculture biologist who started her career at Firda as a quality manager responsible for introducing Global Gap to the company in 2013. Since then, she has worked extensively on internal control systems, government relations, and the ASC. She joined the company's leadership team in 2018.
Ola Braanaas, the outgoing CEO, will remain active in his ownership with a focus on strategy, projects, and business development. He reflects on the company's journey, saying, "Since our founding in 1986, it has been an incredible journey with highly skilled and competent employees. From a debt-laden camping van in Norddalsfjorden, we have grown into a solid billion-dollar corporation with 180 talented employees who contribute to the well-being of Norway every day"
Firda Seafood is a family-owned seafood company established in 1986, headquartered in Norway. Over the years, the company has grown from a small start-up operation to a well-established, multimillion-dollar enterprise. The company's focus is on providing high-quality seafood products to customers while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability, biosecurity, and ethical practices. With 180 employees, the company prides itself on being a significant contributor to the local economy, providing livelihoods and stability in the coastal communities. The company is well-positioned for continued growth, driven by its unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to its customers, employees, and the environment.
